Patient's Guide to PCOS: Understanding--and Reversing--Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

by Walter Futterweit, George Ryan

A comprehensive guide to polycystic ovary syndrome, from a leading authority on the condition

One in ten American women of childbearing age is affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to some degree, and many suffer from serious symptoms, such as infertility, early miscarriage, chronic pelvic pain, weight gain, high blood pressure, acne, and abnormal hair growth. PCOS is by far the most common hormone imbalance in women of this age group, yet few women understand the threat it poses to their health―or how to prevent it.

In A Patient's Guide to PCOS , Dr. Walter Futterweit, a foremost authority on PCOS in America, tells women everything they need to know about this condition and how to treat it. Drawing on his twenty-five years researching and treating the condition and his ongoing long-term study of more than a thousand women with PCOS, Futterweit discusses

• what PCOS is and how it affects your body
• what to eat and how to exercise to control PCOS
• all the treatment options, including the latest drug therapies
• how to reverse PCOS-induced infertility and restore healthy skin and hair
• resources for preventing, diagnosing, and treating PCOS

This comprehensive guide contains everything women need to know about PCOS―from identifying warning signs and seeking a diagnosis to finding emotional support in recovery―to regain their health and resume their lives.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Medical, Reference

251 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2006

Reviews

[Chrystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not the best PCOS book I've ever read. It is very informative and very helpful, but at the same time, it's a little too jargon-y. I skipped some parts because it was common sense (diet & exercise) for someone like me. I mostly read this as a refresher before my doctor appointment this week. It served it's purpose.

[Carol Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave you a better understanding of how my body functions differently than other women who do not suffer from PCOS. It gave great info about symptoms of PCOS, conditions PCOS women are more susceptible to, medcations that can help, and information about food and exercise. This book is a great starting point for any woman who suspects, she suffers from PCOS or already knows that she does. Highly recommend it!

[Hannah Ackley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was just diagnosed with PCOS and was looking for resources. This is the first book I read. The first part was a slow read, as I was trying to understand all the medical jargon. But it did help me to grasp what exactly I was dealing with! It was helpful in that regard, now I feel like I comprehend PCOS, and can regurgitate information regarding it.

I think the nutrition section is a bit dated, and lacking some more current information. But overall could still be helpful, i more skimmed this section, as well as the section on depression. I also skipped the sections regarding fertility as I am done having children.

I feel like it was overall a decent place to start in understanding PCOS, but dated and a bit challenging to read in some chapters.

[Camilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enormously helpful! I found the book eminently readable, not to mention incredibly informative. It was especially nice to have each section so clearly categorized and to read about success stories sprinkled throughout the text. I would say this is probably the best standalone book on PCOS that anyone suffering the condition should own. It's also a marvelous reference text for quick research.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written by an endocrinologist and is grounded in research. It's a very helpful book for understanding basic information about PCOS while also providing recommendations and resources for how to expand knowledge in specific areas. it's also written clearly enough that I was able to easily skip over areas not pertinent to me.

[Judy Kok · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holistic approach to tackling PCOS is shared in this book. The biggest tip I learnt about exercising : 60 mins a day of moderate to vigorous exercise to keep from gaining weight. 90 mins/day to lose weight. 30 mins/day is the bare minimum.

[Ashly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very informative. I like that it explains the symptoms, risks, and how to take care of the symptoms. I like how he even mentions what kinds of tests and procedures you would need as well. It talks a lot about losing weight. I recommend it to people who are looking for more information on PCOS.

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the topic.

[Sabrina Bena · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good comprehensive guide to understanding PCOS, but feel like it felt a little outdated. However, it was a good book to start my journey of understanding of PCOS.

[Lingwijournal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just skimmed through, mostly medical explanation I already knew.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about pcos.

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview that explains less-common symptoms and gives patients a good idea about what their treatment options are.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. I preferred Pcos workbook.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An estimated 6 million women in the U.S. have PCOS, and most of them probably don't know it. For a long time, I was one of them. If you're a woman and you suffer from any of the following: irregular (or absent) menstral cycles, excess weight (especially around the middle) that you just can't seem to lose, hirsutism, cycstic acne, thinning scalp hair, sugar cravings, and/or moodswings, you need to read this book.

Walter Futterweit has a lot of experience in helping women with PCOS, and it shows in this book which is incredibly thorough and detailed. There were just a few things I wish there were more of, including: how to motivate yourself and find time for exercising, and more vegetarian options in the suggest meal plan. Still, there is a TON of information here, whether you're knowledgeable about PCOS or a complete novice. My copy is underlined, highlighted, and dog-eared, and I'm sure yours will be, too.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a very good book for beginners. I understand he has to give his credentials as well as colleagues' credit, so that didn't bother me. I would have loved more information about certain topics, but I think as an intro book, this gives the reader tools to understand what is being tested and talked about, and gives ideas of what to note and look into further.
I think in an age where the insurance companies seem to be planning our health care, it's necessary to know what to talk to your doctor and how to address symptoms and tests. I know I was told a variety of things about what was "probably" wrong with me, and although I already knew when I read this book, it gave me a lot of insight as to what I want to look into further.

[stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

the only reason this doesn't get five stars is the fact that the author keeps talking about himself in the most glowing of terms and kind of strays away from the topic.

it's a really great introduction. i don't think the title is entirely true - he talks about how some effects can be reversed, but not necessarily always, and not the syndrome itself.

still, i like that he incorporates diet, and different paths for women who want to get pregnant and those that aren't concerned about it at the moment. and the fact that he says, please, get checked by an endocrinologist before embarking on anything in here - because you may think you have it, and don't.

[Kristie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good basic book about PCOS and general health. I only gave this book 3 stars because I wanted more information. It defines what PCOS is and typical symptoms so you can have a better understanding of what you may want to discuss with your doctor. I will be utilizing the diet and exercise portion of this book. I liked that part the best because it gives solid, reasonable advice. Also, having the mindset that you're doing this because you have (or may have) a medical condition makes a diet and exercise plan a little easier to stick to. Definitely worth looking at if you think you may have PCOS.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely an informative book. Informative about a disorder that has multiple symptoms are varying degrees and those symptoms can be caused by multiple other health problems. So really...I'm not sure how they can specify this as a disorder. One woman might have it severely, another might have it barely at all. It's frustrating to read about. But I learned a lot about the body and how it works. A decent read. Though, 40% of this book is resources. That's almost half the book!

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read. It outlined what I needed to know in layman's terms without being overly dry and medical. It really helps me understand my condition and taught me a few things that have been happening to me that I didn't realize could attribute to having PCOS. I totally recommend this to anyone who has been newly diagnosed or who suspects they might have PCOS and would like information on how to deal with it, treat it, etc.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am excited to read this book. I may skip some of the beginning chapters since I understand what is going on with my body. I am mostly interested in the recipes and exercise program he offers.

I didn't finish this book. After I got what I wanted I stopped reading it. Very helpful though. It was nice to get a cross reference on the workbook I had read.

[Margaret Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative & readable information on what PCOS is & how it affects women suffering from PCOS.

Unfortunately, Dr. Futterweit is an endocrinologist who only practices traditional medicine & encourages only pharmaceutical drugs for treatment, although diet & exercise are discussed as well.

It's a starting place.

[Heidi Kuchta · Rating 2 out of 5]

This resource has some good tips, but overall kind of sucks. It presents an extremely medical/chemical view of PCOS. The information presented about insulin resistance is solid, as are the diet suggestions. HOWEVER, I don't like how the information is presented, it seems a bit outdated, is written by a dude, and gives any options besides Western medicine short shrift.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was informative and easy to read. It changed my thinking about possible hope for this condition. However, after speaking to my dietitian and thinking about what I already know about PCOS, I don't feel that the suggestions made have enough research base for me to put them to use.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction for the newly digagnosed, however this book does not replace multiple rounds of blood tests and a really good doctor. No two women with PCOS experience the exact same systoms or treatment.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful in my understanding of PCOS! I was just diagnosed on October so I really have has no idea about everything associated with PCOS but as I read the book I realized so many things I have dealt with all revolve around it!

[Shannon Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for anyone with the diagnosis. It made a hell of a difference to my reaction, and was the most approachable text I found. Great as its also backed by the science, unlike some of the other reading I stumbled across.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think you might have it and you need help confirming and what questions to ask your doctor.

[Angel Garlinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is informative if you are wanting to learn more about PCOS this is a good book to read.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for any woman who suspects she may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and/or Insulin Resistance.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It helped explain a lot of things that was going on with my body. I especially loved the food section.